The Formula 1 season comes to an end on Sunday, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The season has been full of twists and turns, and we’re expecting more of the same in 2019. In many ways, the new campaign is now underway, as we’ll be seeing the main contenders trying to lay down a marker.

Lewis Hamilton has nothing driving him this week, and he is likely to lag behind some more determined competitors in this race. Sebastian Vettel will want to make a statement with competition coming to Ferrari next term. On top of that, in-form Max Verstappen will be pushing for another victory.

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Race Info

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been the final race in the campaign since 2009. It is supposed to be the big defining race in the calendar, but it hasn’t been that way since 2016. Hamilton has had the title wrapped up this term and last, leaving lower stakes for the big finale.

Round

Country

Circuit

Race Distance

21/21

Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina Circuit

305km / 55 Laps

Schedule

Date

Start Time

Finish Time

Forecast Conditions

TV Coverage

Practice 1

Fri 23rd Nov

9:00

10:30

Dry / 28°

-

Practice 2

Fri 23rd Nov

13:00

14:30

Dry / 29°

-

Practice 3

Sat 24th Nov

10:00

11:30

Dry / 30°

-

Qualifying

Sat 24th Nov

13:00

14:00

Dry / 30°

Sky F1

Race

Sun 25th Nov

13:10

15:10

Dry / 31°

Sky F1

Last Season's Result (2017)

With Hamilton already clear in the title race in 2017, Valtteri Bottas managed to sneak in front and win the race. He finished in a 1-2 with teammate Hamilton, putting Mercedes over 140 points clear of Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship. The Ferrari pair came in third and fourth, with Sebastian Vettel continuing his decent record in Abu Dhabi by making in onto the podium.

It wasn’t a great year for Red Bull here, who have won at this race three times. Daniel Ricciardo retired 20 laps in, with Max Verstappen coming in fifth. There was a considerable gap between the top five and the rest, and we think the Dutchman can kick on in this weekend’s season finale.

Position

Driver

Car

Grid Position

Points

1

Valtteri Bottas

Mercedes

1

25

2

Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes

2

18

3

Sebastian Vettel

Ferrari

3

15

4

Kimi Raikkonen

Ferrari

5

12

5

Max Verstappen

Red Bull

6

10

6

Nico Hulkenberg

Renault

7

8

7

Sergio Perez

Force India

8

6

8

Esteban Ocon

Force India

9

4

9

Fernando Alonso

McClaren

11

2

10

Felipe Massa

Williams

10

1

Race News: Red Bull Heating up, Hamilton in Hot Water

There is growing anticipation around Red Bull, who have teamed up with Honda for the 2019 campaign. They have had issues this season, mostly hitting Daniel Ricciardo. However, the Australian is departing at the end of the season, with team boss Christian Horner suggesting next year will be an improvement.

‘We have a phenomenal team which can create a great car,’ Horner said. ‘As soon as we can get that little bit more horsepower, which it looks like Honda are delivering, then hopefully we can give them a hard time at every circuit’.

Mercedes have rushed to the defence of Lewis Hamilton, who came under fire for comments about the Indian Grand Prix. He tackled F1 expansion, criticising the move to hold races in countries which he labelled as, ‘poor’. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff called his comments, ‘thoughtful’, blaming the media for changing the context. However, the quote didn’t come off well – particularly from a Brit who has absconded to Switzerland for tax reasons. He also seemed to suggest a move to bring more races back to more established countries, rather than build the sport worldwide.

Analysis: Can Red Bull Start Title Campaign?

There is understandably going to be a focus on Red Bull in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. They are being talked up for big things next season, while they are about to say good bye to Ricciardo. He’s had a turbulent year, but after years in the seat for them it’s going to be a big departure for the driver and for the team. It now seems like Ricciardo’s move has come at the wrong time, with Red Bull about to step up. Now he’s heading to a Renault side who trail his current team by 178 points.

Verstappen isn’t going anywhere yet, and with Ferrari putting their faith in youth, and Mercedes looking stocked up, he doesn’t have a move on the cards. Perhaps launching a title challenge with his current side is his best option, and that’s something we’re bound to see hints at in this season’s final race.

Final Verdict: Max Verstappen To Win

Vettel remains the favourite with the bookies here, while Hamilton comes in as second favourite. However, we can’t see either of the top two launching a bid for top spot this weekend. We like the look of Verstappen in this one, given that he’s been growing year on year in the sport, and potentially set to lead a title charge. He’s opened up a huge lead over Ricciardo thanks to five podium finishes in his last six outings. That form makes him to finish in the top three look like value at 10/11. On top of that, we’re going for Verstappen at 4/1, as he see him ending things with maximum points.

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